Undercarriage clamping master track link

ABSTRACT

A clamping master track link comprises a body that defines a first bore and a second bore, a first aperture disposed between the first bore and the second bore, a second aperture disposed between the first aperture and the second bore, a first strut with a first gap disposed between the first aperture and the second aperture, a second strut with a second gap disposed between the first aperture and the first bore, and a bridge disposed between the second aperture and the second bore.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for machining amaster track link used for completing a track chain assembly of anendless undercarriage drive employed by earth moving, construction andmining equipment and the like. Specifically, the present disclosurerelates to a clamping master track link has one or more struts eachdivided by a gap.

BACKGROUND

Earth moving, construction and mining equipment and the like work areoften used in rough, off-road terrain. These machines often employ anendless drive with track shoes that is better able to propel themachines in such environments over obstacles and uneven terrain, etc.The track chains, which include shoes, are held together by a series ofinterconnected track links, pins and bushings that are supported on thedrive sprocket, idler and support rollers of the machine. As can beimagined, a device is typically provided that allows the track chain tobe routed about the drive sprocket, idler and support rollers before thefree ends of the chain are joined together. This device is called a“master link”.

Also, depending on the weight of the machine, the size of the chain, theenvironment in which the machine operates, and other factors, the chainsand/or track shoes may wear or be damaged and may require periodicinspection, servicing, repair, and/or replacement. Hence, a master linkmay also be provided in the chain to allow disassembly of the chain(i.e., separation of two ends of the chain).

As can be imagined, it is desirable for master track links to have atleast three traits. First, it is desirable that the master track linksbe reliable or durable. That is to say, the master track link should notbe prone to unintentional disassembly when a track chain is in use. Ifthis happens, the track chain assembly may fall off the undercarriage ofthe machine, leading to unwanted downtime and maintenance of the machineto get the machine up and running again. Second, it is desirable thatthe master track link be able to be easily serviceable. That is to say,it should not be time consuming to detach the master track link so thatmaintenance as described above can be performed. Third, it is desirableto be able to cost effectively manufacture the master track link.

Some master track link designs in current use a pin that is press fitinto the master track link while others use a pin that is slip fit andheld into place using a cotter pin. The press fit provides a low cost,robust design in terms of reliability or durability but is not easilyserviced. On the other hand, the slip fit pin is higher cost butprovides a robust design in terms of serviceability, however, it is lessdesirable in terms of durability or reliability. If the cotter pin fallsout, the master track link will often fall off the pin.

Accordingly, a need exists for a method and apparatus related to amaster track link that can provide a better combination ofserviceability, durability or reliability and cost.

One prior master track link using a clamping method to hold onto pins isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,877,977 to Johannsen et al. The '977 patentsuggests providing a clamping master track link that is configured toclamp on bushing/pin combinations on both ends of the master track link(see FIGS. 4 and 5 of the '977 patent). Furthermore, it discloses astraight link where the holes configured to clamp on the bushing/pincombinations are in the same plane. However, this is incompatible withmany track chain assembly designs already in the field. Also, thismaster track link design uses three small gaps between the struts, whichrequire expensive machines such as grinding or wire EDM to manufacturethe track link. Therefore, a master track link that is less costly, moredurable or reliable, and more serviceable and that can be retrofittedwith track chain assemblies already in the field is still warranted.

SUMMARY

A clamping master track link is provided according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure and comprises a body that defines a first boreand a second bore, a first aperture disposed between the first bore andthe second bore, a second aperture disposed between the first apertureand the second bore, a first strut with a first gap disposed between thefirst aperture and the second aperture, a second strut with a second gapdisposed between the first aperture and the first bore, and a bridgedisposed between the second aperture and the second bore.

A clamping master track link is provided according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure and comprises a body defining a top surface, abottom surface, a first side surface and a second side surface defininga thickness therebetween, a proximate end and a distal end. The bodyalso defines a first bore adjacent the distal end and a second boreadjacent to the proximate end, a first aperture disposed between thefirst bore and the second bore, the first aperture being disposed nearerthe first bore than the second bore, a second aperture disposed betweenthe first aperture and the second bore, a first strut disposed betweenthe first aperture and the second aperture, the body defining a firstgap dividing the first strut into a first upper portion and a firstlower portion, and a second strut disposed between the first apertureand the first bore, the body defining a second gap dividing the secondstrut into a second upper portion and a second lower portion. The firstgap defines a first minimum distance and the second gap defines a secondminimum distance and the ratio of the second minimum distance to thefirst minimum distance ranges from 3 to 10.

A track chain assembly is provided according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure and comprises a plurality of track pins and trackbushings disposed about the track pins, and a plurality of track linksthat are connected to each other by either a track pin or a trackbushing, wherein at least one track link defines a plurality ofapertures for receiving a track pin or bushing. The chain assembly mayalso include a plurality of track fasteners, a plurality of track shoesattached to the track links via the track fasteners; and at least oneclamping master track link including a body defining a top surface, abottom surface, a first side surface and a second side surface defininga thickness therebetween, a proximate end and a distal end. The body maydefine a first bore adjacent the distal end and a second bore adjacentto the proximate end, a first aperture disposed between the first boreand the second bore, the first aperture being disposed nearer the firstbore than the second bore, a second aperture disposed between the firstaperture and the second bore, a first strut disposed between the firstaperture and the second aperture, the body defining a first gap dividingthe first strut into a first upper portion and a first lower portion, asecond strut disposed between the first aperture and the first bore, thebody defining a second gap dividing the second strut into a second upperportion and a second lower portion. The first bore may define a firstlongitudinal axis and the second bore may define a second longitudinalaxis and the body jogs, forming an offset master track link such thatthe first bore and second bore are offset from each other along eitherthe first or second longitudinal axis. The first bore may define a firstdiameter, the second bore may define a second diameter, the firstdiameter may be less than the second diameter, and the first bore is ablind bore and the second bore is a thru bore, and the body includes abridge disposed between the second aperture and the second bore.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of thedisclosure and together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side-view of a machine that may use various track chainassemblies with a clamping master track link according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side-view of a track chain assembly of the machine of FIG. 1removed from the machine.

FIG. 3 is a top-view illustration of the track chain assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a front oriented perspective view of an exemplary clampingmaster track link subassembly of the track chain assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a rear oriented perspective view of the exemplary clampingmaster track link subassembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a front oriented perspective view of an exemplary clampingmaster track link subassembly using fasteners having differentdimensions from each other used to attach a shoe to the clamping mastertrack link and to provide the necessary clamping action to attach theclamping master track link to a track chain assembly.

FIG. 7 is a front oriented perspective view of an exemplary clampingmaster track link that uses pockets with nuts therein for receiving thefastener used to attach a shoe to the clamping master track link and toprovide the necessary clamping action to attach the clamping mastertrack link to a track chain assembly.

FIG. 8 is a top oriented perspective view of a track chain assemblyaccording to various embodiments of the present disclosure showing thefree ends of the chain as they approach the free ends of the opposingclamping master track link while completing the assembly of the trackchain assembly.

FIG. 9 is a top oriented perspective view of a track chain assembly ofFIG. 8 showing the mating of the free ends of the opposing clampingmaster track links before the final pin is inserted into the bores ofthe links and the bore of the bushing and before the shoe is attached tothe clamping master track links, completing assembly of the track chainassembly by causing the impingement of the clamping master track linksonto the final pin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure,examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts. In some cases, a referencenumber will be indicated in this specification and the drawings willshow the reference number followed by a letter for example, 100 a, 100 bor by a prime for example, 100′, 100″ etc. It is to be understood thatthe use of letters or primes immediately after a reference numberindicates that these features are similarly shaped and have similarfunction as is often the case when geometry is mirrored about a plane ofsymmetry. For ease of explanation in this specification, letters andprimes will often not be included herein but may be shown in thedrawings to indicate duplications of features, having similar oridentical function or geometry, discussed within this writtenspecification.

Various embodiments of an apparatus and a method for creating a trackchain assembly using a clamping master track link will now be described.In some embodiments, the clamping master track link is an offset linkthat may be used with track chain assemblies already in the field.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary machine 100 having multiple systems andcomponents that cooperate to accomplish a task. Machine 100 may embody amobile machine that performs some type of operation associated with anindustry such as mining, construction, farming, transportation, or anyother industry known in the art. For example, machine 100 may be anearth moving machine such as an excavator, a dozer, a loader, a backhoe,a motor grader, or any other earth moving machine. Machine 100 mayinclude a power source 102 and an undercarriage assembly 104, which maybe driven by power source 102 and supported by one or more spaced-apartidler wheels 106.

Power source 102 may drive undercarriage assembly 104 of machine 100 ata range of output speeds and torques. Power source 102 may be an enginesuch as, for example, a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a gaseousfuel-powered engine, or any other suitable engine. Power source 102 mayalso be a non-combustion source of power such as, for example, a fuelcell, a power storage device, or any other source of power known in theart.

Undercarriage assembly 104 may include two separate continuous tracks108, one on either side of machine 100 (only one of which is shown inFIG. 1). Each track 108 may be driven by power source 102 via one ormore drive sprockets 110. In addition, each track 108 may include achain 112 and a plurality of track shoes 114, each configured toselectively engage a surface, e.g., the ground. Each chain 112 mayinclude a plurality of link subassemblies 116 and a master linksubassembly 200. Support rollers 152 are also provided at the bottom ofthe track to support the chain.

FIGS. 2 and 3 respectively illustrate side-view and top-viewperspectives of an exemplary chain assembly 112 and, specifically, aplurality of exemplary link subassemblies 116 and a master linksubassembly 200. Each one of link subassemblies 116 may include arespective pair of offset link members 118 or a respective pair of innerand outer links when straight links are used (not shown). Each offsetlink member 118 may include fastener holes 120, e.g., a threaded hole,configured to receive a fastener 150, e.g., a bolt, or cap screw, toattach a track shoe 114 to a given one of link subassemblies 116. Mastertrack link assembly 200 may include a clamping master track link 202.The master track link subassembly may be used to complete the chainsassembly 112 in a manner that will be further described below withreference to FIGS. 8 and 9 later herein.

Adjacent ones of link subassemblies 116 may be interconnected by way ofrod assemblies 122 in the form of pins or bushings. More specifically,each rod assembly 122 may include a substantially cylindrical bushing124 disposed about a substantially cylindrical pin 126. A pair ofbearings (not shown) that are freely rotatable relative to pin 126, anda pair of seals (not shown) may also be provided in the rod assembly orin one of the link members proximate the rod assembly to prevent theloss of lubrication and provide freedom of movement. In someembodiments, the bearings and seals may be combined functionally in thesame assembly. The bushing 124 may be pressed into an aperture 128 ofone end 130 of the offset link member 118 and the pin 126 may extendthrough this end 130 of the offset link member 118 and be received inthe aperture 132 of other end 134 of the adjacent offset link member118′. The pin 126 may be retained in the other end 134 of the adjacentoffset link member 118′ by being pressed into that link member 118′ orbe retained therein using a cotter pin or another similar device when aslip fit is being used. Other configurations and methods of assemblingthe link subassemblies 116 may be provided to create a track chainassembly 112. Of course, a plurality of offset link members 118 areconnected in a manner similar to what has just been described to formthe track chain assembly 112.

More particularly, the first and second rod assemblies 122 may interfacewith apertures 128, 132 of adjacent offset link members 118, 118′ suchthat consecutively connected link subassemblies 116 may be pivotallyinterconnected to one another to form the track chain assembly 112. Forexample, the outer end 134 of one offset link member 118′ may mate infixed manner with the pin 126 (such as when a press fit is employed) andhouse the seals and/or bearings assemblies while the inner end 130 ofthe adjacent offset link member 118 may mate with the bushing 124 in afixed manner (such as when a press fit if employed). At the same time,the pin 126 may be free to rotate within the bushing 124 such as whensome clearance is provided between the pin and the bore of the bushing.Consequently, a pair of adjacent offset link members 118 may beconfigured to pivot with respect to one another to form an articulatingtrack chain assembly 112. Similarly, master track link subassembly 200may be interconnected between two standard link subassemblies 116 by wayof rod assemblies 122.

A track shoe 114 may be connected to each offset link member 118. Eachtrack shoe 114 may include a base portion 136, a ground-engaging surface138, a leading edge 140, and a trailing edge 142. Each track shoe 114may also include opposing side edges 144 (only one of which shown inFIG. 2) disposed between leading edge 140 and trailing edge 142. One ormore grousers or ribs 146 may be provided to engage the ground,improving traction. Additionally, each track shoe 114 may also includetwo pairs of threaded shoe holes 148, each pair disposed along arespective one of the side edges 144 and configured to align with a pairof fastener holes 120 associated with an offset link member 118. In someembodiments, holes 148 may be clearance holes and not be threaded.

Typically, each one of shoe holes 148 may correspond to an associatedfastener receiving hole 120 situated on the bottom surface of each ofthe offset link members 118. As such, each track shoe 114 mayrespectively connect to a pair of opposing pair of offset link members118 from one side of the track chain assembly to the other side of thetrack chain assembly shown in FIG. 3. Threaded fasteners 150, such as,for example, bolts or cap screws, may be respectively disposed in eachone of shoe holes 148 and fastener receiving holes 120 to fasten a trackshoe 114 to a respective pair of opposing offset link members 118. It iscontemplated that the spacing of the fastener receiving holes 120 foreach offset link member 118 may be substantially similar such that eachtrack shoe 114 may be configured to be connectable to each of offsetlink members, assuming that each track shoe is also similarly oridentically configured.

Turning now to FIGS. 4 thru 7, master track link subassemblies 200according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are depicted.A master track link subassembly 200 may comprise a clamping master tracklink 202 that includes a body 204 defining a top surface 206, a bottomsurface 208, a first side surface 210 and a second side surface 212defining a thickness therebetween, a proximate end 214 and a distal end216. The body 204 may also define a first bore 218 adjacent the distalend 216 and a second bore 220 adjacent to the proximate end 214. Thesebores 218, 220 may extend from or be at least partially defined byeither or both side surfaces 210, 212. As shown, the bores arecylindrical but may have another suitable configuration.

Furthermore, the body 204 may further define a first aperture 222disposed between the first bore 218 and the second bore 220, the firstaperture 222 being disposed nearer the first bore 218 than the secondbore 220. Similarly, the body 204 may further define a second aperture224 disposed between the first aperture 222 and the second bore 220.These apertures extend from the first side surface 210 completelythrough the body 204 to the second side surface.

As a result of the placement of these bores 218, 220 and apertures 222,224, the body 204 includes a first strut 226 disposed between the firstaperture 222 and the second aperture 224. Also, the body 204 defines afirst gap 228 dividing the first strut 226 into a first upper portion230 and a first lower portion 232. Likewise, the body 204 includes asecond strut 234 disposed between the first aperture 222 and the firstbore 218, the body 204 defining a second gap 236 dividing the secondstrut 234 into a second upper portion 238 and a second lower portion240. Both gaps 228, 236 extend completely through the body 204 from thefirst side surface 210 to the second side surface 212, providing thenecessary flexibility for the clamping master track link 202 as will bedescribed later herein. The body 204 includes a bridge 246 disposedbetween the second aperture 224 and the second bore 220. This bridge246, which may also be referred to as a unitary or undivided strut,provides the requisite rigidity near the second bore of the clampingmaster track link 202 as will also be explained later herein.

For the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 thru 7, the clamping master tracklink 202 is an offset link, similar to the standard offset linksdescribed above with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. That is to say, theproximate end 214 is offset from the distal end 216 in a direction thatis parallel to the longitudinal axis L126 of the pins 126 and bushings124 of the track chain assembly 112 as best seen in FIG. 3. Returning toFIGS. 4 and 5, the clamping master track link 202 may be described asfollows. The first bore 218 defines a first longitudinal axis L218 andthe second bore 220 defines a second longitudinal axis L220 and the body204 jogs, forming an offset master track link such that the first bore218 and second bore 220 are offset or spaced away from each other alongeither the first or second longitudinal axis L218, L220. Otherconfigurations are possible for the clamping master track link includinga straight link configuration, etc.

For the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first bore 218 defines afirst diameter D218 and the second bore 220 defines a second diameterD220. The first diameter D218, being configured to mate with a pin 126,is less than the second diameter D220, which configured to mate with abushing 124. The second bore 220 is a thru bore, extending completelythrough the body 204 of the link while and the first bore 218 is a blindbore forming a bottom annular surface 242 as best seen in FIG. 5. Athird bore 244 extends from the bottom annular surface 242 completelythrough the body 204 of the clamping master track link member. Duringassembly of the track chain assembly 112, which usually occurs at themanufacturer, the stand offset link members 118 are assembled aspreviously described above with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3.

When the desired length of the chain assembly has been achieved, thedistal end 216 of a pair of opposing master track link members areattached to pair of opposing free ends of the chain where the bushing124 is pressed into second bore 220. The bridge 246 provides the neededrigidity so that the pressing operation generates a suitable amount ofretention force, helping to ensure that the master track link 202 doesnot fall off the chain assembly 112. Then, once the chain assembly 112has been routed about the drive sprockets 110, idler wheels 106,rollers, etc. of the undercarriage 104, the chain is completed byinserting a pin 126 into the first bore 218 and creating a clampingaction holding the proximate end 214 of the master track link 202 ontothe pin 214 and a bushing 124 firmly using a fastener as will bedescribed in more detail momentarily.

To that end, the size of the gaps are instrumental in allowing thisclamping action to take place in a suitable manner. Consequently, thefirst gap 228 defines a first minimum distance d228 and the second gap236 defines a second minimum distance d236 and the ratio of the secondminimum distance d236 to the first minimum distance d228 may range from3 to 10. In some instances, this ratio may range from 6 to 7. Exemplaryvalues of the first minimum distance d228 versus the second minimumdistance d236 are 0.75 mm to 5 mm respectively. The value of this ratioor the distances may be varied as needed or desired in otherembodiments.

The necessary flexibility may also be expressed in terms of a ratio ofthe height H of the body 204, which is the minimum distance from the topsurface 206 to the bottom surface 208, to the first minimum distanced228. This ratio may range from 100 to 150. In particular embodiments,this ratio may range from 130 to 140. Exemplary values of the height Hmay range from 90-130 mm.

For the embodiments in FIGS. 4 thru 7, the body 204 may further define afirst cross-hole 248 extending in a direction perpendicular to the firstlongitudinal axis L218 of the first bore 218 from the top surface 206 tothe first aperture 222 and a second cross-hole 250 extending in adirection perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis L220 of thesecond bore 220 from the top surface 206 to the second aperture 224. Thefirst cross-hole 248 may define a first diameter D248 and the secondcross-hole 250 may define a second diameter D250. In some embodiments,the first diameter D248 is greater than the second diameter D250,allowing a larger fastener to be used near the first bore 218 than thefastener used near the second bore 220. This may allow the forcegenerated near the first bore 218 to be greater where clamping force ismost needed to impinge upon the pin 126.

In a more general sense, as best understood by referring to FIGS. 6 and7, various embodiments of the present disclosure include a first mastertrack link fastener 252 disposed in the first cross-hole 248, which is aclearance hole, and a second master track link fastener 254 disposed inthe second-cross-hole 250, which is also a clearance hole. In somecases, the first master track link fastener 252 and the second mastertrack link fastener 254 may define different dimensions from each other.In other words, the first and second master track link fasteners may bedifferently configured one from another.

For example, the first master track link fastener 252 may define a firstlength L252 and the second master track link fastener 254 may defines asecond length L254 that is less than the first length L252. The firstmaster track link fastener 252, which is nearest the first bore 218 maybe longer than the second master track link fastener 254 in order toprovide most or all the necessary clamping force on the pin 126.Alternatively, as just alluded to above, the first master track linkfastener 252 may define a first diameter D252 and the second mastertrack link fastener 254 may define a second diameter D254 that issmaller than the first diameter D252. This too may allow the firstmaster track link fastener to provide more clamping force than thesecond master track link fastener. Other dimensional variances orcombinations of dimensional variances are possible.

As best seen in FIG. 7, the first cross-hole 248 extends from the topsurface 206 to the bottom surface 208 and the bottoms surface 208defines a notch or a pocket 256 in communication with the firstcross-hole 248 and proximate the first master track link fastener 252. Anut 258 may be disposed in the pocket 256 so that the fastener simplyneeds to be rotated to be tightened. Similar structure may be providedfor the second master track link fastener if needed or desired. In manyinstances, it is desirable for the nut to be flush to recessed comparedto the bottom surface so that the nut does not hinder the function ofthe bottom surface as a support surface.

On the other hand, as best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the body 204 of themaster track link 202 may define a first threaded hole 260 incommunication with the first aperture 222 and aligned with the firstcross-hole 248. The first threaded hole 260 may also be disposed betweenthe first aperture 222 and the bottom surface 208, that is to say, itmay be a blind hole. A second threaded hole 262 may also be provided sothat the threads of the second master track link fastener 254 may engagethem. Again, the provision of the threaded holes 260, 262 the neededclamping action to be provided by simply rotating the fasteners 252, 254without needing to hold a nut stationary. This may ease assembly. It iscontemplated that the threaded holes may be thru holes in otherembodiments. Also, any of these threaded holes may be at least partiallydefined by hardened material that forms the rail portions of the links,providing suitable support for the weight of the machine and itspayload.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In practice, a master track link, a pair of master track links, a chainusing a master track link or a pair of track links, or a pair of mastertrack link subassemblies according to any embodiment described hereinmay be sold, bought, manufactured or otherwise obtained in an OEM orafter-market context.

A master track link 202 or master track link subassembly 200 may beattached to the free end of a chain assembly 112 at the factory and soldas a replacement part or already installed on a machine such as shownand described previously with respect to FIG. 1. Completing the chainassembly 112 simply requires the user to align the free end of theclamping master track link 202 to the free end of the adjacent standardtrack link 118 (see step 300 in FIG. 8), which already as has a bushing124 installed via a press fit or by using some other suitable method.Then, the pin 126 would be inserted through the bushing 124 and bealigned with the first bore 218 of the opposing master track links 202(see step 302 in FIG. 9). Tightening one or more master track linkfasteners 252, 254 while attaching the shoe 114 would cause the link 202to impinge on the pin 126, holding onto it firmly, completing the chainassembly 112 (see steps 304 and 306 in FIG. 4).

The chain assembly 112 as a whole may be described as follows inreference to FIGS. 1-9. The track chain assembly 112 may comprise aplurality of track pins 126 and track bushings 124 disposed about thetrack pins 126, and a plurality of track links 118 that are connected toeach other by either a track pin 126 or a track bushing 124, wherein atleast one track link 118 defines a plurality of apertures 128, 132 forreceiving a track pin 126 or bushing 124. The chain assembly 112 wouldtypically also include a plurality of track fasteners 150 and aplurality of track shoes 114 attached to the track links 118 via thetrack fasteners 150. Finally, at least one and typically two opposingclamping master track links 202 are attached at one free end of thetrack chain assembly 112.

The master track link 202 may include a body 204 defining a top surface206, a bottom surface 208, a first side surface 210 and a second sidesurface 212 defining a thickness therebetween, a proximate end 214 and adistal end 216. The body 204 may also define a first bore 218 adjacentthe distal end 216 and a second bore 220 adjacent to the proximate end214. A first aperture 222 may be disposed between the first bore 218 andthe second bore 220, the first aperture 222 being disposed nearer thefirst bore 218 than the second bore 220. A second aperture 224 may bedisposed between the first aperture 222 and the second bore 220.

As a result of this structure, the body 204 includes a first strut 226disposed between the first aperture 222 and the second aperture 224 anddefines a first gap 228 dividing the first strut 226 into a first upperportion 230 and a first lower portion 232. The body 204 also includes asecond strut 234 disposed between the first aperture 222 and the firstbore 218 and defines a second gap 236 dividing the second strut 234 intoa second upper portion 238 and a second lower portion 240.

The first bore 218 defines a first longitudinal axis L218 and the secondbore 220 defines a second longitudinal axis L220 and the body 204 jogs,forming an offset master track link 202 such that the first bore 218 andsecond bore 220 are offset from each other along either the first orsecond longitudinal axis L218, L220. The first bore 218 defines a firstdiameter D218, the second bore 220 defines a second diameter D220, thefirst diameter D218 is less than the second diameter D220, the firstbore 218 is a thru bore and the second bore 220 is a blind bore. Thebody includes a bridge 246 disposed between the second aperture 224 andthe second bore 220. This structure allows the bushing 124 to be pressfit into the second bore 220 while the pin 126 may slide into the firstbore 218. Then, fasteners 252, 254 may be used to attach a shoe 114 tothe master track link 202, causing the link 202 to impinge upon and holdthe pin 126.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of theapparatus and methods of assembly as discussed herein without departingfrom the scope or spirit of the invention(s). Other embodiments of thisdisclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromconsideration of the specification and practice of the variousembodiments disclosed herein. For example, some of the equipment may beconstructed and function differently than what has been described hereinand certain steps of any method may be omitted, performed in an orderthat is different than what has been specifically mentioned or in somecases performed simultaneously or in sub-steps. Furthermore, variationsor modifications to certain aspects or features of various embodimentsmay be made to create further embodiments and features and aspects ofvarious embodiments may be added to or substituted for other features oraspects of other embodiments in order to provide still furtherembodiments.

Accordingly, it is intended that the specification and examples beconsidered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of theinvention(s) being indicated by the following claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A clamping master track link comprising: a bodydefining a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side surface and asecond side surface defining a thickness therebetween, a proximate endand a distal end; wherein the body defines a first bore adjacent thedistal end and a second bore adjacent to the proximate end; the bodydefines a first aperture disposed between the first bore and the secondbore, the first aperture being disposed nearer the first bore than thesecond bore; the body defines a second aperture disposed between thefirst aperture and the second bore; the body includes a first strutdisposed between the first aperture and the second aperture, the bodydefining a first gap dividing the first strut into a first upper portionand a first lower portion; the body includes a second strut disposedbetween the first aperture and the first bore, the body defining asecond gap dividing the second strut into a second upper portion and asecond lower portion; and the body includes a bridge disposed betweenthe second aperture and the second bore.
 2. The clamping master tracklink of claim 1 wherein the first bore defines a first longitudinal axisand the second bore defines a second longitudinal axis and the bodyjogs, forming an offset master track link such that the first bore andsecond bore are offset from each other along either the first or secondlongitudinal axis.
 3. The clamping master track link of claim 1 whereinthe first bore defines a first diameter, the second bore defines asecond diameter, the first diameter is less than the second diameter,the first bore is a blind bore and the second bore is a thru bore. 4.The clamping master track link of claim 1 wherein the first gap definesa first minimum distance and the second gap defines a second minimumdistance and the ratio of the second minimum distance to the firstminimum distance ranges from 3 to
 10. 5. The clamping master track linkof claim 4 wherein the ratio of the second minimum distance to the firstminimum distance ranges from 6 to
 7. 6. The clamping master track linkof claim 4 wherein the body defines a height from the top surface to thebottom surface, and a ratio of the height to the first minimum distanceranges from 100 to
 150. 7. The clamping master track link of claim 6wherein the ratio of the height to the first minimum distance rangesfrom 130 to
 140. 8. The clamping master track link of claim 2 whereinthe body further defines a first cross-hole extending in a directionperpendicular to the first longitudinal axis of the first bore from thetop surface to the first aperture and a second cross-hole extending in adirection perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis of the secondbore from the top surface to the second aperture, wherein the firstcross-hole defines a first diameter and the second cross-hole defines asecond diameter, and the first diameter is greater than the seconddiameter.
 9. A clamping master track link comprising: a body defining atop surface, a bottom surface, a first side surface and a second sidesurface defining a thickness therebetween, a proximate end and a distalend; wherein the body defines a first bore adjacent the distal end and asecond bore adjacent to the proximate end; the body defines a firstaperture disposed between the first bore and the second bore, the firstaperture being disposed nearer the first bore than the second bore; thebody defines a second aperture disposed between the first aperture andthe second bore; the body includes a first strut disposed between thefirst aperture and the second aperture, the body defining a first gapdividing the first strut into a first upper portion and a first lowerportion; the body includes a second strut disposed between the firstaperture and the first bore, the body defining a second gap dividing thesecond strut into a second upper portion and a second lower portion; andthe first gap defines a first minimum distance and the second gapdefines a second minimum distance and the ratio of the second minimumdistance to the first minimum distance ranges from 3 to
 10. 10. Theclamping master track link of claim 9 wherein the ratio of the secondminimum distance to the first minimum distance ranges from 6 to
 7. 11.The clamping master track link of claim 9 wherein the body defines aheight from the top surface to the bottom surface, and a ratio of theheight to the first minimum distance ranges from 100 to
 150. 12. Theclamping master track link of claim 11 wherein the ratio of the heightto the first minimum distance ranges from 130 to
 140. 13. The clampingmaster track link of claim 9 wherein the body includes a bridge disposedbetween the second aperture and the second bore.
 14. The clamping mastertrack link of claim 13 wherein the first bore defines a firstlongitudinal axis and the second bore defines a second longitudinal axisand the body jogs, forming an offset master track link such that thefirst bore and second bore are offset from each other along either thefirst or second longitudinal axis.
 15. The clamping master track link ofclaim 13 wherein the first bore defines a first diameter, the secondbore defines a second diameter, the first diameter is less than thesecond diameter, the first bore is a blind bore and the second bore is athru bore.
 16. The clamping master track link of claim 14 wherein thebody further defines a first cross-hole extending in a directionperpendicular to the first longitudinal axis of the first bore from thetop surface to the first aperture and a second cross-hole extending in adirection perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis of the secondbore from the top surface to the second aperture, wherein the firstcross-hole defines a first diameter and the second cross-hole defines asecond diameter, and the first diameter is greater than the seconddiameter.
 17. A track chain assembly comprising: a plurality of trackpins and track bushings disposed about the track pins; and a pluralityof track links that are connected to each other by either a track pin ora track bushing, wherein at least one track link defines a plurality ofapertures for receiving a track pin or bushing; a plurality of trackfasteners; a plurality of track shoes attached to the track links viathe track fasteners; and at least one clamping master track linkincluding a body defining a top surface, a bottom surface, a first sidesurface and a second side surface defining a thickness therebetween, aproximate end and a distal end; wherein the body defines a first boreadjacent the distal end and a second bore adjacent to the proximate end;the body defines a first aperture disposed between the first bore andthe second bore, the first aperture being disposed nearer the first borethan the second bore; the body defines a second aperture disposedbetween the first aperture and the second bore; the body includes afirst strut disposed between the first aperture and the second aperture,the body defining a first gap dividing the first strut into a firstupper portion and a first lower portion; the body includes a secondstrut disposed between the first aperture and the first bore, the bodydefining a second gap dividing the second strut into a second upperportion and a second lower portion; the first bore defines a firstlongitudinal axis and the second bore defines a second longitudinal axisand the body jogs, forming an offset master track link such that thefirst bore and second bore are offset from each other along either thefirst or second longitudinal axis; the first bore defines a firstdiameter, the second bore defines a second diameter, the first diameteris less than the second diameter, the first bore is a blind bore and thesecond bore is a thru bore; and the body includes a bridge disposedbetween the second aperture and the second bore.
 18. The track chainassembly of claim 17 wherein the body further defines a first cross-holeextending in a direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis ofthe first bore from the top surface to the first aperture and a secondcross-hole extending in a direction perpendicular to the secondlongitudinal axis of the second bore from the top surface to the secondaperture and the track chain assembly further includes a first mastertrack link fastener disposed in the first cross-hole and a second mastertrack link fastener disposed in the second-cross-hole, wherein the firstmaster track link fastener and the second master track link fastenerdefine different dimensions from each other.
 19. The track chainassembly of claim 18 wherein the first master track link fastenerdefines a first length and the second master track link fastener definesa second length that is less than the first length or wherein the firstmaster track link fastener defines a first diameter and the secondmaster track link fastener defines a second diameter that is smallerthan the first diameter.
 20. The track chain assembly of claim 19wherein the body defines a first threaded hole in communication with thefirst aperture and aligned with the first cross-hole, the first threadedhole also being disposed between the first aperture and the bottomsurface.